Key Takeaways
Main risk factors include eating raw meat, infected wild animals, and contaminated organic matter.
Toxoplasmosis in cats is diagnosed through serological testing, PCR testing, and the evaluation of tissues and fluids.
Healthy cats with strong immune systems may not need treatment. They develop natural immunity after.
Summary
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It's one of the most common types of parasitic infections in cats.
Cats are also the only definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, meaning they are the only animals in which the parasite can complete its life cycle and produce eggs. Since many affected cats don't show significant symptoms immediately, it's a serious health risk that should be prevented.
It's also zoonotic, meaning the infection can affect cat owners and other animals.
How do cats get toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted when cats eat infected prey (such as mice or birds) and undercooked meat. Tissue cysts in contaminated raw meat are a big factor. While raw diets can be beneficial, the risks of incorrect preparation are just too high.
Cats may also contract toxoplasmosis when they ingest contaminated soil, feces, and water.
T. gondii reproduces in the intestines and is shed in cat feces as oocysts. Infected cats may shed oocysts only for a limited period, about 10-14 days, but may reach up to 3 weeks.
These infective oocysts can survive in the environment for long periods of time, contaminating organic matter and potentially affecting other people. So, if your cat regularly explores the outdoors or digs through a litter box that’s not regularly cleaned, it could risk an infection.
Clinical Signs
Many healthy adult cats with a T. gondii infection show no signs because the parasite remains dormant. The clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in cats are more apparent in kittens and those with weakened immune systems.
Loss of Appetite. Many cats eat less or stop eating, leading to weight and energy loss.
Lethargy and Weakness. Some might sleep more than usual or lose interest in activities.
Fever. You may notice your cat feeling unusually warm or looking for cooler areas to rest.
Vomiting and Diarrhea. Gastrointestinal distress can also manifest as a result of the toxoplasmosis infection.
Jaundice. In cases with serious complications, the toxoplasmosis parasite can also spread to the liver and cause failure.
Breathing Problems. If cat toxoplasmosis spreads to the lungs, you might notice difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing. This can progress to pneumonia.
Neurological Issues. If the nervous system is affected, cats may experience seizures, muscle tremors, disorientation, and poor coordination.
Eye Issues. Your cat’s eyes might experience uveitis, abnormal pupil size, and sensitivity to light.
Diagnosing toxoplasmosis in cats
Because the signs of the clinical disease are vague, our focus shifts to a serological test, PCR test, tissue and fluid evaluation, and blood chemistry.
"A serological test analyzes and checks for the presence of specific T. gondii antibodies, namely IgM and IgG. IgM indicates a recent or active infection, while IgG signals previous exposure and indicates immunity," says Dr. Soheyl.
If IgM levels are high, this means that your cat is currently infected. High IgG levels without any IgM suggest that your cat has previously had the infection.
A PCR test is a specialized laboratory test that detects Toxoplasma gondii DNA. It works by examining blood, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, or tissue. This test is highly sensitive, capable of detecting the parasite and active infection. However, it can be costly.
For severe cases of toxoplasmosis infection, our vets may collect cerebrospinal fluid, eye fluid, or tissue biopsies. The samples will be observed under a microscope to detect active and multiplying forms of the parasite, also known as T. gondii tachyzoites.
Fecal examination is also an option, but it's unreliable and inconsistent since cats shed the oocysts briefly.
Treatment
To treat toxoplasmosis in cats, we'll focus on fighting the parasite and tending to the acute illness.
We’ll prescribe antibiotics and antiparasitic medications to eliminate the parasite and inhibit its growth. The most commonly used medication for this is clindamycin, which is administered orally. It's highly effective and helps eliminate the parasite from the system over 2-4 weeks of medication.
Other alternatives can be trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or azithromycin. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed if there is significant inflammation of the eyes or central nervous system.
The medication is given orally, and cats with toxoplasmosis are generally given a dose of 10-50 mg/kg daily for the entire course. However, this dosage can vary based on your cat’s health, its age, and the severity of the condition.
Treatment is typically reserved for cats actively suffering from the disease with clinical signs. Many healthy cats that have been exposed may develop natural immunity, which means they won't require medical intervention.
Our vets will guide and advise you if treatment is necessary.
Recovery and Prognosis
Most cats diagnosed with toxoplasmosis often make a full recovery, especially those that were diagnosed early on. Improvements will start to show during the first week, and this will continue as the full course of medication is completed.
In complicated and severe cases where other organs have been affected, cats will need about a few months to fully recover. These cases will be closely monitored, and additional forms of treatment will be used depending on the system affected.
Even after the full course of medication, we recommend bringing in your cat for a final checkup. We'll conduct blood tests and follow-up exams to make sure the infection is no longer active.
How to prevent toxoplasmosis in cats
The first step is to keep domestic cats indoors. This prevents them from hunting wild rodents and birds, which are common carriers. It also avoids contact with potentially contaminated soil, water, and feces.
"Avoid feeding your cat raw or undercooked meat because of the potential risks. Specialized diets and high-quality commercial food are much more beneficial and convenient to serve," says Dr. Soheyl. If you want to serve natural sources of protein, cook meat thoroughly and avoid any seasonings.
It's also good practice to clean your cat's litter box daily and scoop out the feces. But first, it's important to wear gloves. Wash your hands properly afterward. Remember to do a complete wash of their litter box with hot water and soap at least once a week.
Stray cats are more likely to carry toxoplasmosis, so avoid allowing your cat to interact with them. Outdoor cats are always at risk. You might want to consider closing windows and having your cat spayed.
"Toxoplasmosis is a health concern for cats and families everywhere. But with the right care, your best friend and family can be protected."
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Keeping your cat indoors, feeding them properly cooked food, and maintaining a clean environment are key steps in preventing infection. If you see any toxoplasmosis symptoms in your cat, bring them in for a checkup, and we’ll guide you through the whole process.
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